Ethiopian Ethnic Federalism and its Implications for University Students: The Case of University of Gondar

Prior to 1991, Ethiopia experiences a unitary state system in which the central government had an undivided ultimate right on all aspects of economic, social, and political issues. Initiated, organized, and led by an association of discontented Tigrean elites, due to high centralization of power, the TPLF started its liberation movement to topple the military regime. Assuming power EPRDF established a multi-ethnic federal system based on equality, the rule of law, and the right of nations to self-determination. This ethnic federal political system has its own positive and negative sides on the peaceful coexistence of the Ethiopian people in general and to higher education university students in particular. This research deals about Ethiopian Ethnic Federalism and its Implications for University Students: The Case of University of Gondar. Since the research aims to understand the perception of students and their attitude towards other ethnic group as a result of the ethnic federalism, the study used qualitative research methodology. In terms of techniques of data collection methods, the researchers have used open ended questions, six focus group discussion, and non-participant observation. In addition to these techniques of data collection methods, the research has used also Books and other related secondary sources. The findings of the research have shown that students’ day-to-day interaction at their class room, café, dormitory and libraries is highly affected by the ethnic federalism, both negatively and positively, following its implementation since 1991. Negatively, ethnic federalism encouraged political alignment that prevails over ethnic allegiance among students. Students have developed an antipathy attitude towards other ethnic groups. In addition, cultural sharing has faced problems due to lack of common language as different nations and nationalities achieved a right to use their own language. Positively, ethnic federalism gave the opportunity to student the right to promote and foster their cultural values and traditions. Many students are interested to know the cultural diversity, plurality, and ready to accept the existing reality.